When the Remsdaq Command & Control System has allocated all of the requisite resources, these need to be dispatched to the incident. Resources include fire-fighters, fire appliances, specialist equipment, senior fire officers and perhaps appliances from neighbouring Fire & Rescue Services. During this stage, the communications system plays a pivotal role in the overall incident handling procedure.

Transmission media within the Remsdaq system can be configured in several different ways. Wide Area Network (WAN) and Broadband can be used and connected separately to the operator positions in the control centre. These positions can also be connected to as many dialled bearers as the Fire & Rescue Service require, including the “back up” bearer.

If necessary, a Remsdaq Communications Processor can be installed. This is a path for many communications media, including radio and fixed bearers. Utilising a local area network (LAN), all of the operator positions can access the communication bearers available on the Communications Processor. This LAN is utilised to connect all operator positions and is also extended to encompass the communications processor.

Each operator position is directly connected to an intelligent PSTN/GSM modem and/or an ISDN Terminal Adapter and/or a Paknet Pad so that they remain fully functional mobilising units, with or without the LAN.

Private Wire FireNET Station End Mobilising Systems (SEMS) are connected to the Communications Processor, which may be duplicated, at the Master Station. The Communications Processor continually polls its SEMS for events and handles the transmission of data to them via private wire. If a mobilisation requires any (or all) of the private wire SEMS to be contacted, then the mobilising operator position will transmit a data packet across the Ethernet, to the Communications Processor.

In addition, the modular design of the Communications Processor means that a fault only affects part of the system, resulting in the oft quoted, though seldom achieved objective of 'graceful degradation'. Fire & Rescue Service personnel are also able to undertake first-line maintenance, as the system is logically divided into easy to understand elements that can be replaced to rectify any faults that may occur.